WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin, Barbara A. Mikulski and Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) released the following statements today after U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) announced it will move forward with an early move of an “advance team” from Fort Monmouth, N.J., to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Harford County, Md. The move is the first of many in the transition of Fort Monmouth to APG, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.
AMC’s release is below.
“Today’s announcement is another step in demonstrating the Army’s commitment to APG. We will continue to work as Team Maryland to ensure that APG and its surrounding community has the resources it needs to accommodate the anticipated new growth,” said Senator Mikulski, Chair of the Maryland congressional delegation. “As we move forward, I hope we will continue to focus on what is best for the nation as a whole. The BRAC recommendations, and its great news for APG, were based on mission and merit. The recommendations are a testament to the strength of Maryland’s military bases, our military and the communities that support them.”
“I am pleased that the Army is moving forward with its plans to move personnel to APG. The BRAC recommendations are geared to strengthening our nation’s military so that we can deal with challenges we may face in the future. Our goal is for an efficient and orderly transition, and Maryland is ready to assist in that process,” said Senator Cardin.
“Team Maryland salutes America’s warfighters as they make this move to our state. Maryland is at the ready to help to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as they work to keep our country safe. BRAC is about strengthening the security of our nation. Team Maryland is working hard to ensure that our servicemen and women, military bases, and surrounding communities have the resources they need to get the job done,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.
Staff from the member’s offices met with U.S. Army representatives earlier this month and received a briefing on AMC’s step-by-step timeline for moving assets into Maryland and a detailed funding plan to support these moves while ensuring no disruption in support for the warfighter.
AMC Release:
Army Materiel Command approves Fort Monmouth advance party
FORT BELVOIR
, Va. –
Today the
Commanding General of U.S. Army Materiel Command approved a recommendation by Fort Monmouth officials to move an advance party of 32 Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center positions from Fort Monmouth, N.J. to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
“We are committed to executing the BRAC law while also maintaining continuity of operations and support to our service men and women,” said the AMC spokesman.
“Establishing an early presence at Aberdeen is part of our overarching strategy and is consistent with the BRAC decision to close Fort Monmouth.
The advance party at Aberdeen Proving Ground will help facilitate a smooth transition and promote retention of critical personnel.”
The CERDEC personnel identified for the advance party work in the research and development field, creating new and state-of-the-art communications equipment for Soldiers.
The early presence of a stable workforce at Aberdeen Proving Ground ensures continuity of new science and technology programs.
Thirty-two positions have been identified for the move.
Those positions will be filled by volunteers at Fort Monmouth.
Any remaining vacancies will be filled at Aberdeen Proving Ground after the move.
Another major contributing factor in the decision was concern for the welfare of employees and their families, in particular those with school age children.
“AMC’s number one priority is support to the Global War on Terrorism while taking care of people throughout the BRAC process, and this decision is directly aimed at maintaining this support,” the spokesman said.
For more information, call the AMC Public and Congressional Affairs Office at (703) 806-8014 or (703) 806-8019.
The U.S. Army Materiel Command is the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness – technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics, power projection and sustainment – to the total force, across the spectrum of join military operations.
If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it or eats it, AMC provides it.
